Abstract

In Bangladesh, urban poverty is neglected in research, policy andaction on poverty reduction. This paper explores the underlying reasons for thisrelative neglect, which include national identity and image, the political economyof urban poverty and the structuring of knowledge creation. It argues for morecomprehensive policy and programmes for the urban poor given Bangladesh’sincreasingly urban future and the growing magnitude of urban poverty. Theimpact of climate change will accelerate Bangladesh’s ongoing urbanization aswell as deepen the scale and severity of urban poverty. The fact that reducingurban poverty will be increasingly important in meeting national goals for povertyreduction means that policy and action must pay more attention to the urbanpoor. This is contingent upon two factors: first, a better understanding of the scaleand nature of urban poverty and vulnerability; and second, the confrontation ofpowerful interests necessary to secure a national commitment to urban poverty reduction